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Business

University partnership builds next generation of leaders through new MBA programme

15 June 2018

 

An innovative partnership between Teesside University and the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) is helping to build the next generation of leaders through a new entrepreneurial programme.

Noel Dennis, Principal Lecturer
Noel Dennis, Principal Lecturer

The MBA Degree Apprenticeship is a flagship programme for Teesside University Business School that places entrepreneurial leadership at its heart. Aimed at current and aspiring leaders with experience in management, it allows students to combine work with studying for an internationally recognised business qualification.

The course provides a platform for professional senior managers to challenge themselves and drive innovative entrepreneurial leadership thinking and practice back into their respective organisations at a strategic level.

Teesside University has worked closely with the CMI to develop the curriculum and dual-accredit the programme to deliver the skills and knowledge employers are looking for. Helen Watts, Relationship Manager at the CMI, visited the University’s Middlesbrough campus to introduce the chartered body to the first cohort of students on the MBA Degree Apprenticeship course. Helen is pleased to be working alongside the University during an exciting period of development with a new home for the Business School due for completion in September 2018.

Helen said: 'We are delighted to be working with the University. There is a great deal of investment going into Teesside University Business School and it is a very exciting time both for the University and for the CMI.

'We have worked closely with colleagues in the Business School to develop the curriculum and ensure that the MBA programme maps across to the CMI programme. The dual accreditation means that students will graduate not only with a great MBA from Teesside University, but also receive a Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Leadership and Management and the potential to be awarded Chartered Manager, the highest status available in the management and leadership profession.'

Noel Dennis, Principal Lecturer and Programme Leader for the MBA, added: 'Teesside University Business School is committed to building the entrepreneurial capability of managers and leaders both within our region and beyond. In working closely with the CMI, we have developed a programme that meets the needs of employers and allows its students to take the knowledge they acquire straight back into the workplace.'

Students on the MBA Degree Apprenticeship at Teesside benefit from access to the CMI resources, such as the online resource portal and the CMI membership from the moment they commence the programme. The CMI will also deliver networking events and speakers for students on the dual-accredited course.

In working closely with the CMI, we have developed a programme that meets the needs of employers and allows its students to take the knowledge they acquire straight back into the workplace.

Noel Dennis, Principal Lecturer (Teesside University Business School)

The first cohort of students began their studies in June and the group includes management professionals from a range of different organisations including the NHS, Cummins, Everyone Active and Oceaneering International Services.

Martin Miles, Area Manager for Everyone Active, manages 25 leisure centres across North East England on behalf of local authorities. He decided to study locally to meet other like-minded business leaders within the region and the campus environment really attracted him.

'I was keen to study within a campus environment rather than by distance learning so that I could become involved in university life,' Martin explained.

'I’m looking for a more strategic vision to help me manage the business and move it forward. I like that I have the flexibility to study online or at home while working full-time. This course will allow me to take away knowledge from the classroom and immediately apply it back into the business.'

Samuel Lind, International Operations Manager at Utilitywise PLC, is looking forward to the hands-on aspects of the course.

'The most attractive thing about the MBA programme here at Teesside University is that the course is very practical – it’s all about what you are doing in your current role and what you can take back to your role to make a real practical difference,' said Samuel.

Through the apprenticeship funding model available, students can earn while they learn with no need for a student loan as the course fees are paid for by the government and employer. Funding is also available through Tees Valley Combined Authority to support SMEs who create apprenticeships in sectors facing high demand from employers.

Teesside University offers a number of new higher degree apprenticeships in digital technology, management and health and works closely with employers to provide educational and training solutions. The next cohort of the MBA at Teesside will start in September and enquiries for the course can be directed to MBA@tees.ac.uk.


 
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